The month of Ramadan is a sacred time of the year for Muslims around the world. It's a time of spiritual rejuvenation, gratitude and compassion for others. Ramadan presents the best opportunity for Muslims to pray, donate, and perform good deeds to reap rewards and enter paradise inshaAllah.
There are strict rules to follow during Ramadan that Muslims must abide by, including fasting, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. We've explored the Ramadan rules below, so if you're new to Islam or need a refresher, you can best prepare for the holy month.
What not to do during Ramadan
Ramadan is observed to fulfil the fourth pillar of Islam. This means Muslims don’t eat food or drink any liquids from sunrise to sunset every day of the holy month.
Beyond food during the sunlight hours, there are a number of other things that should be abstained from during this time, including:
- Swearing
- Lying
- Fighting/arguing
- Sexual activity or thoughts
Ramadan is a month of self-reflection. One should try their best to remove themselves from environments where foul language, arguments, and bad behaviour are enabled.
Ramadan Fasting Rules
When it comes to rules and guidelines for fasting during Ramadan, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has clearly defined them for Muslims to follow.
According to the Sunnah, while fasting, Muslims shouldn’t only abstain from eating food and drinking anything from dawn to dusk but should also make sure to not engage in any sinful or sexual activity. Instead, one should spend their time worshipping Allah (SWT) and asking for His unending mercy, blessings, and forgiveness.
When can you eat during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, Muslims can only eat food and drink liquids after they have broken their fast at Mahgrib (sunset) until sunrise, the time between iftar and suhoor meals. That means Muslims can't eat or drink anything during daylight hours. There are two opportunities to eat during Ramadan: in the early morning before sunrise (Suhoor) and after sunset in the evening (Iftar).
Who is exempt from fasting during Ramadan?
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims don’t eat food or drink any liquids from sunrise to sunset.
Those participating in fasting usually wake up before sunrise to eat a meal called Suhoor or Sehri. As the adhan calls for Magrib prayer, one breaks their fast with a post-sunset meal called Iftar.
But not every Muslim will be able to fast during Ramadan. The following people are exempt:
- Young children
- The elderly
- Sick
- Pregnant
- Nursing
- Menstruating
- Travelling long distances
What happens if I miss a fast during Ramadan?
If you miss a fast, you are liable to either make it up or pay Fidya.
For those who cannot fast during the month of Ramadan or who miss a few days, it is preferred that they make up their fast later in the year. If it is not possible for a person to make up the fast during the year, for example for health reasons, they may pay Fidya in the form of a charitable donation.